As the coronavirus spreads across the United States and much of the Western world, another scary reality is spreading in tandem: People are losing jobs, local businesses are closing their doors, and we all still have rent and other bills to pay. In a country where most people don't have money put aside for even the smallest of emergencies, and where the government has yet to pass legislation that will support the people hardest hit, a lot of us are having to make it up as we go.
A lot of us are … but not all of us. If you are one of the lucky people who are able to keep working (raises hand), there's a lot you can be doing to help out people you know and love. If a few of us do a few small things for a few other people, then there's a chance communities can get a handle on this thing and not let people fall through the cracks.
Of course, it's going to take thoughtful planning on your part. Here are some ideas:
1. Keep supporting the local businesses you visit each week.
Local businesses are already closing their doors, and we're not even in the full swing of this thing here in the US. And it's awful for a lot of reasons with people not getting paid because businesses aren't making money at the very top. But if you are making money, or if you have discretionary income sitting around, put your dollars right where you usually put them: back into those businesses.
I'm not saying that it's on you to prop up each local business in your city, but if your favorite tea or coffee shop allows online orders for products or gift cards, spend whatever you usually spend each week online.
Also, if you usually pay for housekeeping or a similar service, keep paying whatever you pay each month whether or not people are working for you. I can guarantee you that it will go a long way, and that they need the funds more than you do.
2. Check in with your friends who you know need help.
Even if you don't know exactly what a friend's financial situation is, you have probably gleaned information just in casual conversation. If you know a friend is in a delicate balance already, reach out and see if there's a way you can help out. It might be as easy as having diapers delivered, paying a parking ticket, or sending them $50 for groceries for the week.
Also, if you can't afford to help everyone you want to, that's OK: The goal here is that we all do a little bit, if we can.
3. Help out with child care remotely.
A lot of people are finding themselves suddenly working at home with their kids, which is definitely not an easy thing to adjust to. If you have a skill that can be taught online, offer to help out by setting up a Zoom meeting or Google Hangout for 30 minutes or an hour. It could really vary: Play board games with kids. Play D&D. Teach kids how to draw, how to make small crafts, how to play the kazoo. As a work-from-home parent, 30 minutes when I'm on a deadline is everything.
4. Offer to pick things up/drop them off.
If you're feeling healthy and up to it, also see if you can run errands for people who aren't in such good health. A lot of people can place grocery orders online, but they may not be able to actually go pick them up. If you stay smart about it (wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands), you could pick up someone's food and drop it off at their home without even coming in contact with too many people.
5. Make those phone calls.
I know we all love texting and email these days, but there are still plenty of people who love a good phone call and social interaction and who aren't getting much at all these days. If you are looking for something to do with your own abundance of free time, pick up the phone and start dialing! Even people who historically hate phone calls will probably be happy to hear from you.
6. Sit outside and talk to your neighbors.
You know all of those videos of Italians singing together that are going around online? They're really moving because they show that even when we're scared, we can still pull together and lift each other up. If you don't live in a city with conveniently located balconies, it'll be harder to connect with people as we move into longer stretches of distancing and isolation.
But here's the thing: We can still sit outside in our yards. Take a chair outside, put on some music. See if anyone across the street or down the way joins you. If so, have a conversation (while keeping plenty of distance from one another). Connect over music. You know: actually get to know your neighbors.
7. Surprise people when they least expect it.
If you have a friend's Venmo information, drop them $25 just because. If you don't have the funds to spare but want to keep people's spirits up, send a Facebook message to that friend you love but never talk to anymore. Get your kids to draw uplifting pictures and hang them in your windows. Thank your postal worker, your pizza delivery person, your grocery store clerk, your health care worker for doing what they do. Stay compassionate, and nurture your empathy.
We can do this together, but only if we really try.
